4 Historical Facts About Dentistry

It can be really easy to take things for granted in today’s society, especially when it comes to modern medicine.

Many people dread going visiting a dentist in Wagga, simply because they are concerned about the potential pain. However, we are incredibly lucky to have qualified, well trained professionals to deal with our oral care.

In fact, this was not always the case. Dental care has a long history, and when you learn more about it you will be forever grateful for your dentist in Wagga. Keep reading to find out some interesting facts about oral care.

Fact 1: Barbers used to pull teeth

Although today you are probably used to visiting your dentist in Wagga for any tooth related problems, this was not always the case.

As you probably already know, medicine has changed drastically over the years, this no different when it comes to oral care. In fact, hundreds of years ago, barbers used to pull teeth.

Barbers are great for a haircut, but they are certainly not qualified to deal with dental issues. So, let’s be thankful that today there is qualified dentists in Wagga to take care of our teeth!

Fact 2: The first one was in Ancient Egypt

It can be hard to imagine how the profession came into existence, especially when dentists in Wagga are so easily accessible today. However, even the ancient man wanted his smile to look good!

The first recorded dental professional actually came from Ancient Egypt in 2600 BC. This physician was Hesy-Re and he apparently helped his fellow Egyptians with all of their teeth problems.

Interestingly, his tomb stone is said to be engraved with the words “the greatest of those who deal with teeth, and of physicians”. Apparently Hesy-Re was not only the first, but also the best oral practitioner!

Fact 3: The first toothbrushes were known as “chewing sticks”

Your current dentist in Wagga is probably always reminding you of the importance of regularly brushing your teeth and advising you on the best toothbrushes. But do you actually know where the toothbrush originated?

The first toothbrush was actually invented by the Hindus of India in 4000 B.C. This was created by taking a fresh twig and fraying the end into bristles. In 3500BC this was named by the Babylonians as the “chewing stick”.

This invention may be a predecessor to the toothbrushes we use today, but the direct ancestor to our modern toothbrush was actually invented in China in the year 1600. Rather than being made out of a twig, this was made from hog bristles.

Fact 4: Toothpaste used to be sold in jars

There is a constant argument between couples and families about how the toothpaste tube should be squeezed, and more importantly about how it should not be squeezed. If this is an argument you find yourself having on a regular basis, you may have been born in the wrong era.

In 1873 Colgate mass produced the first ever toothpaste, while many things have changed about this product, one of the most noticeable is the packaging. This early toothpaste was actually sold in jars!

Although this prevented the argument of if you should squeeze from the top, middle or bottom, it was also an easy way of catching diseases and colds!

It’s clear that dentistry has come a long way from its roots back in Ancient Egypt. For that we can all be thankful!

In today’s society we are incredibly lucky to be able to visit a dentist in Wagga whenever we have any pains or issues with our teeth. These dental professionals are highly qualified and will be able to give you advice and assistance with anything regarding your oral care.